Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit
- Last Updated: April 16th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
Legally Reviewed
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
Fact-Checked
TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
Key takeaways:
- The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit filed in December 2024 targets eleven major companies including Kraft Heinz Mondelez Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
- Plaintiffs allege ultra-processed food manufacturers designed addictive products without proper health risk warnings that lead to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
- The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit addresses growing concerns about UPFs contributing to childhood obesity fatty liver disease hypertension and other serious health conditions.
Overview of Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit
An ultra-processed foods lawsuit against Coca-Cola, General Mills, and other major food companies has emerged with plaintiffs claiming these major food corporations knowingly sold harmful products linked to type-2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and other serious health conditions in children.
TruLaw is providing instant case evaluations for the ultra-processed foods lawsuit using the chat on this page to help you learn more about your eligibility to join others seeking compensation today.
On this page, we’ll answer this question in further depth, health risks behind the Ultra-Processed Foods Litigation, filing an Ultra-processed Foods Lawsuit, and much more.
What You Should Know About Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuits
Ultra-processed foods like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Diet Coke contain artificial ingredients linked to serious health problems, yet food manufacturers continue marketing them as convenient options.
Public health expert Dr. Chris van Tulleken from University College London has publicly compared ultra-processed food manufacturers to “Big Tobacco” for using similar techniques to sell potentially harmful, addictive products.
The ultra-processed foods lawsuit allegations include, but are not limited to:
- Misleading health claims on packaging
- Hidden sugar content under different names
- Aggressive marketing to children
If you or a loved one has developed health problems after regularly consuming ultra-processed foods, you may qualify to seek compensation for medical expenses and suffering.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit today.
Table of Contents
Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit Updates
-
April 2025 Updates:
April 16th, 2025: Legal Battle Over Ultra-Processed Foods Enters Pivotal Phase
A high-profile lawsuit targeting ultra-processed food manufacturers has hit a crucial juncture as the defendants have submitted a comprehensive motion to dismiss the case.
This legal maneuver questions the strength and validity of the plaintiff’s allegations and may significantly influence whether the case advances or faces delays.
One of the main arguments presented in the motion is the plaintiff’s failure to identify specific products or provide a timeline of consumption.
The defense contends that this lack of clarity prevents them from mounting an effective response.
Furthermore, they challenge the scientific credibility of the claims and assert that the term “ultra-processed food” lacks a universally accepted legal or scientific meaning.
As a result of the motion, both parties have agreed to adjust the court schedule.
The plaintiff is now expected to submit their response by the end of May, while the defense will file their reply by July 14.
Based on this timeline, the court is anticipated to hold oral arguments during the summer months, with a decision potentially being issued in early fall.
Should the judge grant the motion to dismiss, the plaintiff would likely receive a window of 30 to 45 days to revise and refile the complaint.
This amended version could be submitted by October, prompting another dismissal motion from the defense.
A ruling on that second challenge might not arrive until early 2026.
For now, the case’s trajectory remains unclear.
Over the next year, the court’s decisions will play a pivotal role in determining whether the plaintiff’s claims are legally sustainable and if the matter can proceed to discovery and, potentially, a full trial.
If your child has experienced Type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or other chronic health problems, contact TruLaw today.
Reach out to our experienced Ultra-Processed Foods Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot to quickly see if you qualify for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit.
April 3rd, 2025: Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit Faces Industry Pushback Amid Growing Health Concerns
A landmark lawsuit targeting the ultra-processed food (UPF) industry is facing its first major legal challenge, as leading manufacturers move to dismiss claims linking their products to serious childhood health issues.
The case, filed in late 2024 by a Pennsylvania man, alleges that long-term consumption of UPFs contributed to his development of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease during adolescence.
Named defendants include Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and others accused of knowingly marketing nutritionally poor and addictive foods to children while minimizing known health risks.
The complaint points to the role of sweetened cereals, sodas, and highly processed snacks—products often containing five or more industrial ingredients such as artificial flavors and preservatives.
The lawsuit follows recent research identifying links between UPF consumption and increased rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression in children.
On March 31, the food companies filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming the lawsuit lacks specificity and fails to clearly identify which products were consumed, when, and in what amounts.
They also argue that some claims may be preempted by existing federal food regulations.
The plaintiff’s legal team has until May 30 to respond.
This case could set a critical precedent as attorneys nationwide continue evaluating similar claims on behalf of families whose children were diagnosed with chronic illnesses after years of consuming ultra-processed foods.
If your child has experienced Type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or other chronic health problems, contact TruLaw today.
Reach out to our experienced Ultra-Processed Foods Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot to quickly see if you qualify for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit.
-
March 2025 Updates:
March 1st, 2025: Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to 40% of Heart Disease Cases
Recent research has linked ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to a troubling 40% of heart disease and stroke cases, raising concerns about the food industry’s contribution to cardiovascular disease.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s latest report reveals that UPFs make up 43.3% of the average daily caloric intake of Canadians, playing a significant role in public health.
These foods are directly responsible for 38% of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and strokes.
Ultra-processed foods, such as sugary cereals, frozen meals, chips, and sodas, are refined and contain artificial additives that enhance flavor and shelf life.
Despite their prevalence and heavy marketing, these products offer limited nutritional value and are associated with health risks like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The study indicates that UPFs contribute to over 96,000 new CVD cases, 17,000 deaths, and nearly 400,000 years of lost life or disability each year.
It also points out the preventability of these outcomes, suggesting that reducing UPF consumption could prevent more than 45,000 heart disease cases and 8,300 deaths annually in Canada.
If your child has experienced Type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or other chronic health problems, contact TruLaw today.
Reach out to our experienced Ultra-Processed Foods Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot to quickly see if you qualify for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit.
-
February 2025 Updates:
February 5th, 2025: The bill now advances to the full Illinois Senate for consideration
Senate Bill 93, known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, seeks to ban harmful additives like brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3 in food products sold and produced in Illinois.
Having passed the Senate Public Health Committee, the bill addresses growing concerns about the health risks associated with these chemicals, including cancer and endocrine disruption.
The legislation would impact a variety of food products, especially candy, soda, and baked goods.
Supporters believe it would enhance public health, while critics caution about potential economic impacts.
The bill is now moving forward to the full Illinois Senate for further consideration.
If your child has suffered from Type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or other chronic health issues, call TruLaw today.
Contact the experienced Ultra Processed Foods Lawyers from TruLaw today for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to instantly find out if you qualify for the Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit.
How Can An Ultra-Processed Foods Attorney from TruLaw Help You?
With extensive experience in consumer protection cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman works with litigation leaders and nutritional scientists to prove how ultra-processed food products cause consumer harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, damages to health, and long-term care costs from food manufacturers who misrepresented products’ health impacts and concealed harmful ingredients.
We understand the health impacts and nutritional harm that Ultra-Processed foods have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet the Lead Ultra-Processed Foods Attorney at TruLaw
Meet our lead Ultra-Processed Foods attorney:
- Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
How much does it cost to hire an Ultra-Processed Foods lawyer from TruLaw?
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you won’t face any upfront costs for your legal representation.
Our fee is only collected if we secure compensation on your behalf.
This arrangement allows us to focus on achieving a positive outcome in your case by:
- Court Filings and Legal Documentation: Handling all necessary paperwork, including filing fees and procedural documents, to ensure your case proceeds smoothly through the legal system.
- Research/Data Analysis: Dedicating resources to thoroughly investigate your case and gather the best possible evidence.
- Expert Testimony: Consulting with leading nutritional researchers and health scientists to support your case and demonstrate how consumption of these foods contributed to your health conditions.
- Negotiations and Trial Preparation: Allocating resources to negotiate potential settlements and, if needed, preparing comprehensive trial strategies to present your case in court effectively.
Our digital-first approach simplifies the legal process of qualifying and filing your claim, providing you with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about your case.
If you or a loved one experienced health issues related to consuming ultra-processed foods, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an Ultra-Processed Foods lawsuit today.
Health Risks Behind The Ultra-Processed Foods Litigation
The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit targets major food corporations including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle for their role in the chronic disease epidemic affecting Americans.
Filed in December 2024, this groundbreaking legal action addresses how these companies manufacture and market products containing high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, and other harmful ingredients linked to fatty liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and childhood obesity.
The lawsuit specifically alleges these corporations knowingly designed addictive food products while failing to disclose their connection to serious health risks.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Ultra-processed foods dramatically increase type 2 diabetes risk through multiple mechanisms.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, these products create dangerous blood sugar spikes followed by insulin surges, gradually damaging the body’s ability to properly regulate glucose.
Studies cited in the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit show children who regularly consume these products have up to 2-3 times higher risk of developing prediabetes before adulthood.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports particularly alarming trends among minority youth, with rates of new-onset type 2 diabetes increasing most dramatically among populations targeted heavily by ultra-processed food marketing.
Parents involved in the UPF Lawsuit frequently report that their children’s diabetes diagnoses came as a shock, with many unaware that products marketed as “quick energy” or “convenient snacks” could contribute to permanent metabolic damage.
The litigation documents detail how manufacturers’ internal research identified blood sugar impacts but failed to communicate these risks while continuing to target young consumers.
Hypertension: Elevated Blood Pressure & Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
The excessive sodium content in ultra-processed foods creates significant blood pressure risks, even in children.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute confirms that high-sodium diets force the body to retain water to dilute the salt, increasing blood volume and pressure against arterial walls.
Medical records reviewed in the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit reveal children as young as 10 developing hypertension after consistent ultra-processed food consumption.
Many ultra-processed products contain 2-3 times more sodium than recommended daily limits, with some children’s meals delivering an entire day’s sodium in a single serving.
The litigation documents how manufacturers could have reduced sodium content but chose not to, citing concerns about decreased “flavor impact” and “consumer acceptance.”
Parents joining the UPF Lawsuit report their children’s blood pressure normalized after significantly reducing ultra-processed food consumption, demonstrating the direct relationship between these products and hypertension.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Perhaps the most alarming condition highlighted in the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit is NAFLD.
This disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells, causing inflammation and potentially permanent damage.
Research from the National Institutes of Health demonstrates that children with NAFLD show a distinctive pattern of liver injury that makes early detection challenging.
Ultra-processed foods contribute to NAFLD in the following ways:
- High fructose corn syrup, commonly used in these products, is metabolized directly by the liver and converted to fat when consumed in excess
- Artificial trans fats and certain food additives directly trigger liver inflammation
- Certain preservatives impair the liver’s natural detoxification processes
Documents obtained during the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit investigation suggest manufacturers were aware of potential liver impacts but conducted limited safety testing for these specific effects.
Unlike adult NAFLD, pediatric cases often begin with inflammation in the portal regions of the liver.
This different disease pattern means children can develop significant liver scarring before conventional tests detect problems.
The litigation presents evidence that some children developed advanced fibrosis (liver scarring) within just 2-3 years of regular ultra-processed food consumption.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged gaps in monitoring these combined effects, as many ingredients are tested individually rather than in the complex mixtures found in finished products.
Parents participating in the UPF Lawsuit frequently report that medical professionals never warned them about these potential liver effects.
Filing an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit
The process of filing an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit requires understanding specific eligibility criteria and gathering appropriate medical documentation.
As litigation against food manufacturers continues to evolve, parents seeking justice for children harmed by these products need to navigate several important considerations.
Who Qualifies to File a Claim
Qualification for the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit generally centers on demonstrating both exposure to ultra-processed foods and the development of related health conditions.
While specific criteria may vary as the litigation develops, current cases typically focus on:
Children diagnosed with specific conditions:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes diagnosed before age 18
- Hypertension without a family history or other clear causes
- Severe obesity with documented metabolic complications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports these conditions were once rare in children but have increased dramatically in parallel with ultra-processed food consumption.
Children diagnosed between the ages of 5-17 appear to have the strongest cases, particularly when medical records document the progression of the condition over time.
Parents or guardians must be able to demonstrate regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, which may include:
- School lunch records showing regular purchase of processed items
- Documentation of regular consumption of specific named products
- Purchase records or receipts showing patterns of buying ultra-processed foods
- Food diaries or nutritional counseling records mentioning these products
Importantly, the UPF Lawsuit does not require proof that these foods were the sole cause of health problems, only that they were a significant contributing factor.
The litigation recognizes the multifactorial nature of these conditions while acknowledging the substantial role of ultra-processed foods.
Medical Evidence Needed for Your Case
Building a strong Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit requires comprehensive medical documentation.
According to The National Institutes of Health, proper diagnosis of these conditions requires specific testing that should be reflected in medical records:
- NAFLD/NASH claims: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) documented in blood tests, imaging studies showing liver fat (ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans), liver biopsy results, records of related metabolic conditions, and documentation ruling out other causes of liver disease.
- Type 2 diabetes claims: Blood glucose tests showing elevated levels, HbA1c test results demonstrating sustained high blood sugar, documentation of insulin resistance, records showing progression from prediabetes to diabetes, if applicable, and evidence that diabetes is not Type 1 (autoimmune).
- Hypertension claims: Multiple blood pressure readings over time showing elevation, documentation of attempts at lifestyle modification, records showing the prescription of medication for blood pressure, and exclusion of other potential causes of high blood pressure.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has established guidelines for added sugar content in foods, which can provide context for how certain products exceed recommended limits.
Medical timeline documentation can show the progression of the condition in relation to diet.
Records that demonstrate improvement in health markers after reduction or elimination of ultra-processed foods can significantly strengthen a case, as they establish a direct relationship between the products and the health condition.
Parents considering joining the UPF Lawsuit should gather all medical records before consultation with legal representation.
Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
-
What foods are classified as ultra-processed in the recent lawsuits?
Ultra-processed foods at the center of lawsuits include mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, carbonated drinks, processed meats (ham and sausages), ice cream, crisps, biscuits, fruit-flavored yogurts, instant soups, and certain alcoholic beverages like whisky, gin, and rum.
These are contrasted with minimally processed foods, which retain more of their natural state.
-
Which major companies are named in the ultra-processed foods lawsuit?
The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit targets several food industry giants, including Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, General Mills, Nestle, Kellanova, WK Kellogg Co., Mars, Post Holdings, and ConAgra Brands for their production and marketing of highly processed foods within the food and beverage industry.
-
How can consumers avoid ultra-processed foods mentioned in the lawsuit?
Consumers can avoid ultra-processed foods by basing their diet on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, and nuts.
Plant-based alternatives like mushrooms, jackfruit, beans, and tofu are not considered ultra-processed and provide healthier meal options compared to packaged snack foods.
-
What are the main health concerns driving the ultra-processed foods lawsuit?
The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit primarily focuses on the health risks associated with these products, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, and certain cancers.
Plaintiffs argue these companies failed to adequately warn consumers about these potential dangers.
-
How is "ultra-processed" legally defined in the context of these lawsuits?
In the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit, the term follows the NOVA classification system, which defines these products as formulations of ingredients resulting from industrial processes with little or no whole foods.
The legal definition emphasizes additives and substances rarely used in home cooking, distinguishing them from minimally processed foods.
-
What potential compensation might be available to consumers through the ultra-processed foods lawsuit?
The Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit seeks various forms of compensation, including monetary damages for health issues linked to consumption, funds for medical monitoring programs, and potentially forcing companies to change labeling practices or reformulate products to reduce harmful ingredients.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
You can learn more about the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit by visiting any of our pages listed below:
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
At TruLaw, we fiercely combat corporations that endanger individuals’ well-being. If you’ve suffered injuries and believe these well-funded entities should be held accountable, we’re here for you.
With TruLaw, you gain access to successful and seasoned lawyers who maximize your chances of success. Our lawyers invest in you—they do not receive a dime until your lawsuit reaches a successful resolution!
AFFF Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting.
Claims allege that companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of AFFF exposure — including increased risks of various cancers and diseases.
Depo Provera Lawsuit claims are being filed by individuals who allege they developed meningioma (a type of brain tumor) after receiving Depo-Provera birth control injections.
A 2024 study found that women using Depo-Provera for at least 1 year are five times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors compared to those not using the drug.
Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit claims are being filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.
Claims allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of severe tooth decay and dental injuries associated with Suboxone’s sublingual film version.
Social Media Harm Lawsuits are being filed against social media companies for allegedly causing mental health issues in children and teens.
Claims allege that companies like Meta, Google, ByteDance, and Snap designed addictive platforms that led to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without adequately warning users or parents.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.
Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).
Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.
Claims allege that companies like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
